Torch Branle (Arbeau)
Easy; No partners; Mixer
Arbeau writes (translated by Mary Stewart Evans): "This Torch Branle is danced in moderate duple time like the Alman and with the same steps. Those who wish to dance it take a candlestick with a lighted candle, or a torch or link, and make one or two turns around the room walking or dancing forwards and looking to right and to left the while for the partner of their choice. Each selects the damsel he fancies and they dance together for a little while, after which he disposes her at the end of the hall and making a reverence hands her the lighted candlestick or torch or link and retires dancing to his place. The damsel holding the candlestick then repeats what she has see the young man do and dances off to choose another partner. In due course they change places, when she hands the candlestick to him, and in this manner all are invited in turn to join in the dance."
Notation
A: d lt, d rt, d lt, d rt (doubles moving forward and finishing with a greve). Repeat
B: S lt, S rt (Singles moving forward and finishing with a greve). Repeat
Music by Joseph Casazza
Listen
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